1977 buccaneer 18ft

[anotherfng]

I have no business even looking at this boat, because i already have so much of a project with Easter Lily, but i cant help myself! I found a 1977 buccaneer 18 with trailer, for $1500.00 and it looks to be in very good condition! Is this a good deal??? Still learning about these boats. If i do get it, i can be on the water immediately, sharpening my sailing skills for when the 26 is done!! I wont be able to get my wife on board unless this is a pretty darn good deal! Like I said, it really appears to be well taken care of, and ready for the water immediately. What do you guys think?

[sharps4590]

I suppose it's going to depend somewhat on where you are as to how good a deal that is. I bought mine for not quite half that and it needed a tremendous amount of cleaning. A few minor parts were missing that had to be replaced. Other than that, everything was there. I sold it for $900.00 in very good condition and ready to sail. Mine had no upgrades, such as the improved mast step and the Magic Box, does this Bucc? That would make it worth more to me. I just paid a bit of a premium for a Cat 22 that is in remarkable condition and it has been worth it to me. As you said, it can be put on the water and sailed without spending lots of time chasing down parts and making repiars. That's worth something.

$1500.00 seems a bit high to me but I'm convinced some of that is that you're in Mesa, Arizona, (I used to live there when I was in the Air Force and Williams AFB was still open), and I'm in the Missouri Ozarks.

[LeatherneckPA]

Old trick my Dad taught me.

Go look at the boat with $1000 in $100 bills in your front pocket. After looking the boat over and deciding you really do want it take out the money and offer the PO the cash. Most people will see the green and take it. If he says no and you still want it take out your wallet and tell him this is all you can afford. Offer him another $100 or so, in smaller $10's and $20's. I usually throw in some $5's and $1's just to make it look real. So now I'm up to something like $1132. I've only ever had one person refuse at this point. If he still says no walk away. Before you get in your car HE will make you a counter offer. Now you are in the power position. Offer him whatever your max bid is BUT be prepared to walk away again.

Using this technique I have never paid full asking price for any used motorcycle, truck, or boat that I have bought. I usually start at 2/3 the price and will usually only go as high as 80%, never more than 90%.

[CaptainScott]

LeatherneckPA's words are golden. He speaks the truth.
Remember them when shopping and you will do well for yourself in life!

Scott

[anotherfng]

This one has all the upgrades and is in excellent shape! I had planned to do exactly what you said and offer $1000 in cash. I buy and sell for a living and you definitely know what you are talking about when in a negotiation. I have made many good purchases by using just that technique! Just needed some guidance as to the value of the boat! I think im gonna see if it lasts til sunday and hit him up. Thanks so much for the advice! Tom

[LeatherneckPA]

I think im gonna see if it lasts til sunday and hit him up. Thanks so much for the advice! Tom

Ah, the old "three day cooling off period" technique. NY used to have that in effect to prevent people from buying guns to go shoot someone while they were angry. You could buy it today, but you couldn't pick it up for three days.

Didn't work for me with any of my motorcycles or either of my boats. As my wife will tell you, once I get it in my head to buy something like this I am unbearable until I have concluded the deal. Like a kid in a candy shop after it but miserable to live with until I succeed, or so she tells me.